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1:1 Meetings
Intermediate
~6 minUp to 150 XP

The Disengaged Employee

What you'll practice

  • Use curiosity over judgment to open difficult conversations
  • Distinguish coaching questions from interrogation
  • Avoid the 'fix-it' reflex when an employee needs to be heard
  • Close with commitments both parties own
The Disengaged Employee
Alex, a previously high-performing team member, has become withdrawn. They miss meetings, ship late, and barely speak up. As their manager, you need to have a conversation.
Score0 / 30
Scene: For the past six weeks, Alex has gone from your most reliable analyst to your most quiet. Their Jira tickets are slipping. They sit through stand-ups with their camera off. You've just scheduled a 1:1 — they're now sitting across from you. They look tired. How do you open?
Alex sits down. Small smile, shoulders tight. The room is quiet. You have one chance to set the tone of this conversation.

Your response